Makenna Back
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Detail-oriented histotechnology student skilled in tissue processing, paraffin embedding, and microtomy. Demonstrates proficiency in manual special staining and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Histotechnology Clinical Student
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Essex, MD
09.2025 - Current
- Load, operate, and monitor processors to ensure proper fixation, dehydration, clearing, and paraffin infiltration of specimens
- Perform paraffin embedding and microtomy on a wide range of specimens including breast, bone, placenta, gallbladder, gastrointestinal biopsies, prostate, and uterine tissue
- Prepare high-quality tissue sections and troubleshoot sectioning artifacts to ensure optimal diagnostic quality
- Perform manual special stains including GMS, Reticulin, AFB, PAS-F, Mucicarmine, Trichrome, and Congo Red
- Load, operate, and maintain reagents for automated H&E staining instrumentation
- Perform routine quality control and preventative maintenance on histology instrumentation including tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes, water baths, automatic stainers, and coverslippers
- Accession specimens and assist with laboratory workflow and case management
- Load and unload IHC instrumentation and assist with instrument decontamination and maintenance procedures
- Shadow send-out testing and billing workflows to gain understanding of full laboratory operations
- Follow laboratory safety standards, infection control procedures, and CAP/CLIA regulatory guidelines
Medical Receptionist
Rivas Medical Weight Loss
Ellicott City, MD
11.2022 - 05.2024
- Managed front desk operations including patient check-in, check-out, and appointment scheduling
- Organized and updated patient records, performed filing and chart management, and ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations
- Processed patient payments and recorded accurate financial transactions and daily reconciliation logs
- Operated multi-line phone system to assist patients, schedule appointments, and coordinate clinic workflow
- Ordered and tracked inventory of medications and office supplies to support clinic operations
- Ensured a clean and organized clinical environment in accordance with sanitation and safety protocols
Education
Associate of Science - Histotechnology
The Community College of Baltimore County
Essex, MD08-2026
Skills
- Tissue processing
- Paraffin embedding
- Microtomy
- Manual special staining
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Quality control procedures
- Reagent preparation
- Laboratory Information Systems
- Immunohistochemistry
- Troubleshooting and Preventative Maintenance
Certification
- ASCP Histotechnician Certification (HT) – Eligible August 2026
Timeline
Histotechnology Clinical Student
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
09.2025 - Current
Medical Receptionist
Rivas Medical Weight Loss
11.2022 - 05.2024
Associate of Science - Histotechnology
The Community College of Baltimore County